American Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald getting upgraded on Qatar Airways
Jul 7, 2016, 6:33 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
American Executive Platinum / oneworld Emerald getting upgraded on Qatar Airways
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone had any luck / knows if its possible to get upgraded on Qatar Airways simply for having Executive Platinum status with American.
I've booked (and paid cash) for an economy fare from DFW to Doha on a Wednesday night on Qatar Airways, and I would much prefer to save my system-wide upgrades if at all possible.
Any data points out there?
Thanks in advance.
I was wondering if anyone had any luck / knows if its possible to get upgraded on Qatar Airways simply for having Executive Platinum status with American.
I've booked (and paid cash) for an economy fare from DFW to Doha on a Wednesday night on Qatar Airways, and I would much prefer to save my system-wide upgrades if at all possible.
Any data points out there?
Thanks in advance.
Jul 7, 2016, 6:41 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
Why do you think that an AA SWU would be accepted by QR? And no, QR doesn't upgrade elites just for being elite. Only US airlines do that (and mainly on domestic routes).
Jul 7, 2016, 6:55 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, AA Gold, A3 Gold, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,251
It is possible you will be upgraded but highly unlikely.
You should plan on flying in the cabin you purchased a ticket in as that is very likely what will happen.
You should plan on flying in the cabin you purchased a ticket in as that is very likely what will happen.
Jul 7, 2016, 7:31 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
With non USA airlines always expect to fly in the cabin/seat you purchase.
Non USA airlines do not upgrade like USA airlines.
Non USA airlines will fly with empty business/first class seats. Some even when their own frequent flyers have requested an upgrade with miles/cash, but had the request refused.
Non USA airlines do not upgrade like USA airlines.
Non USA airlines will fly with empty business/first class seats. Some even when their own frequent flyers have requested an upgrade with miles/cash, but had the request refused.
Jul 7, 2016, 7:46 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 681
A couple of years ago I was upgraded on a regional QR flight -- I think, maybe CMB or CAI-DOH. Didn't request anything -- was notified when I boarded. I'm assuming they picked a OWE off the manifest, but no reason was given.
Jul 7, 2016, 7:47 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
With non USA airlines always expect to fly in the cabin/seat you purchase.
Non USA airlines do not upgrade like USA airlines.
Non USA airlines will fly with empty business/first class seats. Some even when their own frequent flyers have requested an upgrade with miles/cash, but had the request refused.
Non USA airlines do not upgrade like USA airlines.
Non USA airlines will fly with empty business/first class seats. Some even when their own frequent flyers have requested an upgrade with miles/cash, but had the request refused.
Jul 7, 2016, 7:55 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
A majority of airlines will only sell for the full retail price difference.
Jul 7, 2016, 8:05 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,900
No. It's not possible. I fly qr all the time. If there's an overlooking situation, emeralds get priority... However that hasn't happened in over a year.
If you go to lounge you can buy an upgrade. Typically you negotiate on price as qr hates sending out empty J or F cabins.
Recently I upgraded j to f on DOH to BKK for 850 bucks. Not bad considering I drank 2 bottles of Krug.
If you go to lounge you can buy an upgrade. Typically you negotiate on price as qr hates sending out empty J or F cabins.
Recently I upgraded j to f on DOH to BKK for 850 bucks. Not bad considering I drank 2 bottles of Krug.
Jul 7, 2016, 8:06 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I was in South Africa this spring and upgraded myself with no Star Alliance status for half of my trip (including JNB-JFK) via the name your price UPG system....worked great!
Jul 7, 2016, 8:36 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 53
I recently flew QR J (return to DFW) and was surprised to see only 50% full. Something I rarely see on AA. I found they do upgrade Privilege club (QR FFP) elites with miles or miles + cash.
As others mentioned, unlikely to get upgraded unless Y is oversold. AA System Wide Upgrades cannot be used to upgrade either.
With summer J fares quite low, not a bad idea to purchase outright. But Y is fine as well, if you can get an exit row seat. I remember a very comfortable flight in Y exit row (with foot/knee rest) a couple of years ago. I was able to call in and request exit row as OWE back then.
As others mentioned, unlikely to get upgraded unless Y is oversold. AA System Wide Upgrades cannot be used to upgrade either.
With summer J fares quite low, not a bad idea to purchase outright. But Y is fine as well, if you can get an exit row seat. I remember a very comfortable flight in Y exit row (with foot/knee rest) a couple of years ago. I was able to call in and request exit row as OWE back then.
Jul 7, 2016, 9:28 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Exec Plat MM
Posts: 22
as others have pointed out, you can't use SWU to upgrade on QR. I have seen the 3 mid-eastern airlines (EK, EY, QR) will upgrade higher-tier customers if Y is oversold. Emirates usually is very lenient with such upgrades (I have gotten many times in various sectors).
Alternately you can ask at check-in for paid upgrades. Sometimes you get really good deals. One of my colleague scored an upgrade DFW-DOH for $400.
Alternately you can ask at check-in for paid upgrades. Sometimes you get really good deals. One of my colleague scored an upgrade DFW-DOH for $400.
Jul 7, 2016, 10:16 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA
Posts: 209
To answer the OP, it is possible and happened to my wife and I last weekend in Doh on route to Bkk. Originally booked on O class tickets it was a nice surprise to be upgraded especially never having flown with QR before this trip. As stated it must have been a case of overbooking so picked a OWE to upgrade.
Jul 8, 2016, 8:26 am
#14
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
As this question is about how Qatar manage upgrades, I'm going to shift this thread to the Qatar Airways forum for further discussion.
~Microwave
AAdvantage forum co-moderator
~Microwave
AAdvantage forum co-moderator
Jul 8, 2016, 10:12 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Abu Dhabi
Programs: BA Gold/OWE
Posts: 531
You may receive an email with a cash upgrade offer at some point. Whether you consider it good value is another matter. Check the relevant thread in this forum for examples.
Outside the US, you should expect to travel in the cabin you've paid for, regardless of status. My few op-ups on QR as as OWE have been as the result of oversales or aircraft down gauges.
Outside the US, you should expect to travel in the cabin you've paid for, regardless of status. My few op-ups on QR as as OWE have been as the result of oversales or aircraft down gauges.